Catch More Kokanee in Summer: Lake Stratification and Kokanee

Did you enjoy todays content? Consider supporting Spilt Milt Productions on Patreon for access to exclusive content www.patreon.com/spiltmilt
Don't forget to subscribe by clicking here bit.ly/3eADeto
During the summer many Kokanee lakes will stratify as surface water temperatures rise. Understanding how and why lakes stratify and what impacts that has on Kokanee are critical to angling success during the summer. In this video I discuss the impacts of stratification on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and the zooplankton communities and how that influences Kokanee distribution in the water column.
Thanks for watching!

[@ropeman3916]

Man the lake to yourself and the fish are biting. Heaven on earth right there.

[@jostafew]

You're obviously a very knowledgeable angler, but I'd like to also say that you're an excellent teacher! Between the audio and video production quality, additional visual aids, real demos on the fish-finder and underwater cam, all excellent! Also that comment about the fall turnover shutting down the fishing, just a little thing but I found it very valuable! Thank you

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

i knew about the thermocline but you broke the whole thing down really well. Thanks for the video!!

[@conk8636]

Gotta stop watching all of Tyler’s vids and get out, but it’s hard. They Truely are very educational.Thanks Bud. I’m sure a lot of folks remember diving into a body of water and feeling those thermals on a hot summer day.

[@oak8728]

Absolutely incredible teacher. Write a book please, you’d make a great knowledge basin for Kokanee. I’d love to be able to read it. Videos are awesome going to replay this a bunch and split screen while learning this weekend. Stoked.

[@paulleslie8260]

Love your videos but this one was the best. I am kinda a science geek and this video has some great data. Keep up the great work!

[@retrosteve6715]

Tyler, you are the greatest fishing teacher ever. I am now inspired to try summer fishing for kokanee in Deep Lake (very near my home). I am older and so will use my walleye boat. My hopes are high.

[@curtisyoungren3531]

Been watching your channel ever since you fished lacamas lake. This was the best video you’ve ever made. Great content Tyler!

[@spiltmilt]

I appreciate that!

[@PhattyBarnett]

I agree. Right up there with the best. You are an incredible teacher.

[@kyleoden3015]

All I'd fish for in lacamas is bass.

[@andyhiebert1674]

Knowing where the thermocline is at has always been very important for my fishing with downriggers.

[@smthcrmnal26]

That really explains it for me i need to tune my sonar to identify that thermal layer and start hunting below that.

[@jeffreylitishin9035]

Thanks Tyler. Just watched this video for the 4th time. I was wondering if you could do a video about Kokanee school behavior? How fast do they travel? Do schools move in patterns? Do they always school up? I got a fish finder and was able to mark schools last summer. When I would turn around to pedal back to make another pass they would be gone. The lakes I fish are small (in CT) and I found it challenging to keep up with the schools. It must be even harder on bigger lakes.

[@daveporter4667]

Now that is a nice trick, never knew that you can find the thermo on FF. Short and clean explanation of thermocline. Thank you SIR!

[@hankschulz3683]

I have been watching your content all spring waiting to recover from a elk jumping on my hood which lead me off a deep ravine , but I digress went to my best trout lake last week all rigged for Kokanee and it was a total blow out windy surface temps of water were 70 to 72f tried 100ft with 3ounce and also down rigger only caught one fingerling Koke and one rainbow the Koke was so small it was dead by the time I cut the hooks off so felt bad but then this lake has a ton of crawfish so someone will eat the poor thing anyway just bought a newer fish finder with all the gadgets you ca buy and plan on trying again this week your content is very detailed and at times very agonizing as we watch you fill the boat every time but then good for you all the best Hank the Tank

[@verdeanpetersen8350]

I agree with what you said. But this year at jordanelle we have found an exception. Thermal cline was 45 feet. But the fish were 10 to 15 feet down in 60 degree water. Go figure it was hard to adjust. Exception to the rule this time.

[@colbysteffenhagen1703]

Wonderful information for a new Kokanee angler. Thanks for your awesome content!

[@michaeltonhofer9061]

Thank you for your videos. It blows my mind how you’re sitting in this kayak talking about three different layers of water, the temperatures and what goes on in the layers with fish and plankton and photosynthesis. Oh, by the way, you’re reeling in some of the nicest Kokanee! Great info, thank you for sharing, love this

[@davidk2137]

What a terrific, and helpful summer Kokanee tutorial. Thank you very much for explaining this so well. And it certainly doesn't hurt that while explaining .... you are pulling them in. Love it.

[@stankfaust814]

this is the most imformative fishing video I've ever watched. Excellent description, excellent use of technology to support what you're talking about.

[@wcbscout]

You are great, love what you are all about. Been enjoying your content from the start, I notice the evolution of your content, always been great however I see the difference in the effort and intent as a creator over this past year or so, fantastic stuff.

[@krisswanson5410]

Love your videosTyler. It would be helpful if you posted or at least mentioned the date of the video each time along with the lake you are fishing.

[@western-fishing]

Awesome video thanks again!!

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Fantastic timing! Appreciate it as always!

[@neverhomeguideservice]

Watched again! Thanks

[@reapergrim76]

Awesome!

[@jonchristinegardner2126]

Awesome content! Thanks for Tyler!

[@blakeboling8099]

Really nice videos and info man, thank you!

[@freakinoutdoors3935]

Great video. Love the education!

[@williamwortman6698]

That was so, SO, interesting! Thank you for all the info you share!

[@clippedadipose6483]

Great explanation. Thanks!

[@larrysaari3167]

Great info. Thank you

[@RandyJayBraun]

Excellent.

[@anastasiamilliron1187]

As usual, your detailed content is so helpful. Thanks for the science. This is one of your best. Love your videos!

[@stevearambula1087]

Amazing video! Very awesome you took the time to break it down like this. Thank you!

[@willwong844]

Nice video Tyler! 👍🏼

[@alsellers5657]

This is awesome information !!! Thank you again

[@Califishin292]

Great content Tyler! Really enjoyed this one. It’s nice when you break things down to a science and explain why things are the way they are. Keep it up my friend!!!

[@thomasmikkelsen5422]

Super helpful. Thanks for the info!

[@terryd2634]

Great info once again. Thanks for the great videos.

[@jimbecker1943]

Another awesome video Tyler! Thank you for all the fantastic information.

[@stevepederson1736]

Pure Gold Kokanee fishing information!!! Thank you Tyler

[@MrAcuta73]

Awesome video.....loved the underwater stuff showing the zooplankton concentrations. Very enlightening even understanding thermocline, now I SEE why, not just know it's there.

[@ryanhansberry5020]

What a great informative video. Thank you very much for putting this one out.

[@barbkoos4452]

Thanks, Tyler! Gotta love science!😁👍🏼🎣

[@mbeieler]

Very interesting and informative!! Thank you!

[@kenw305]

Great video!

[@returnofsid]

Watching this one again, since we're into that season, and i still haven't got a chance to specifically target them. Hoping to very soon, so needed this refresher!

[@thomassteele8150]

Very informative video, thanks Tyler!

[@brucetrout3482]

Outstanding video! I love that you've made kokanee fishing a science for me. Im much more involved in understanding the fish and unlocking their everchanging habits. Love sharing your knowledge and videos with everyone I talk with!

[@declanoriordan35]

Outstanding video. Thanks

[@matthewlabunsky9554]

Awesome explanation and break down! Your videos always have the best tips!

[@johncole5297]

Very good job

[@kylenicolls1321]

Thanks for that, I was meaning to read into that a bit more.

[@lakesnluresoutdoors9017]

Great video Tyler. Thanks

[@capoeirabrasil]

Great info and really cool to see all that zooplankton down there. You've proven why it's important to target a specific depth when fishing for kokanee!

[@TacomaSteelhead]

This is awesome. Something I’ve always wondered about.

[@jimb7710]

Thanks!

[@wishiniwasfishin6960]

Super knowledgeable dude! This man is teaching me how to catch the illusive kokanee. I also love the fish finder vid cant wait to get back on Cushman!

[@floydholbrook9653]

I have just started to watch your channel and you do have a lot to say. This video really brought it home. I have never caught kokanee before and when I tried tips that you have brought to utube, I have caught many. Thank you for your experience.

[@doublereefed]

Best Kokanee video I've seen this year. I understand the thermocline so much better now.

[@walleyweez488]

Well done sir. Thanks for the education.

[@KNimbus77]

Awesome video! I've been reading about the thermocline recently, but this video really breaks it down so I can understand how the fish react. Thanks for the great info!

[@rickbackous7755]

Thanks Tyler for such an informative video on thermocline and the effects on Kokanee fishing. Just what I needed to know, I will put this new knowledge to work on my next trip out.

[@jesparza602]

Fishing nerds, unite! Great vid again man.

[@norgeteran4803]

Hey Tyler. I am from BC, Vancouver Island to be exact. I have been a fan and your vids got me into using Dodgers, getting crazy about Kokanee fishing. Thanks man, they are amazing. Keep them coming. Lol

[@trainwrecker72]

I love all the information I definitely pay attention to the activity in the water weather it be Temps or bait and you definitely make me happy I do keep up the great work and enjoy your fishing

[@robertwilliams4256]

Very good explanation of the different water levels.

[@robertswalwell6868]

I’m from British Columbia the caribou region I have been learning a lot from your videos they have changed the way I fish for Kokanee. I’m leaving the lakes now with my limit more often. I really like the micro shrimp lures you made they work great. Keep fishing and making vids

[@timmoore6055]

As always your teaching creds shine through. Great video, clear explanation. Thanks! Went jigging on Suttle Lake; 9 Saturday and 11 (plus a surprise brown) on Sunday. 9 to 10 inches, but pan size.

[@bruce8663]

Great content Tyler! I never could figure out why kokanee fishing (catching) always seemed to drop off in the late fall. Your explanation makes a lot of sense! Thank you!

[@mskochinski]

Great education there, much appreciated the help trying to chase the salmon in the hot summer months here in Montana!

[@CatchGrowPickCook]

awesome

[@trimbaker1893]

Thank you. This is going to put me on fish. Great flow of logic and information. Fish to prove it all... Good Job. George.

[@michaelr4401]

Exceptional video, you have a talent for educational kayak/kokanee tutorials.

[@Badkharma21]

great video. we do same for landlocked atlantic salmon and trout. thanks for the explanations!

[@BC-ue3ku]

Great informative content on this one. I’m glad you mentioned that you retain all the fish regardless of size when it’s warm like this. I’ve noticed that catch and release once the lake warms up is not a feasible option.

[@returnofsid]

Really great content and information. As someone who's just starting to get into Kokanee fishing, I haven't even fished for them yet but am learning all I can, I really appreciate the great information!

[@spiltmilt]

Happy to help!

[@CowabungaCal]

Thanks for the videos, you are a very knowledgeable fisherman. My son and I will try to fishing for Kokanee in the next 2 weeks hopefully get a few in the boat. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@Spencer_Plant_Projects]

As an ecology nerd I loved seeing the different strata on the camera and the detailed explanation of everything. I've been thinking about buying an underwater drone to check out some marine areas just for fun but also to hopefully make myself a better fisherman in these areas.

[@jimmyabeyta9435]

Great video I just like to fish never got into the science really interesting thanks

[@yourplayin]

Used your color depth guide to target Kokanee. Pulled in 25 koke from Green Peter over the weekend. Cannot thank you enough! Keep up the good work!

[@spiltmilt]

That's awesome. Great job!

[@brittlanders351]

Great stuff! Remember fall turn over down on some big Texas reservoirs the lake would stink for a week

[@patrickculbertson4866]

Thank you so much!!! :) - his wife

[@stevenelson504]

What a great instructional video on thermocline. When speaking about a topic in particular as with thermo, could you mention the type of bait you were using. For instance, a mini Hoochie to replicate what they’re going after and for instance sometimes using a colored spoon. Have caught several large Cokenee and found they have been full of minnows.

[@stanfamoutdoors]

Great video. I really enjoy the information this video put out. Good job. And I didn’t mean anything bad about my bob ross comment on your previous video. I was just saying it was relaxing. Lol!

[@spiltmilt]

I take the Bob Ross comment as a compliment. You know he loved to fish too!

[@alexanderjamesINC]

Amazing information. Makes so much sense because one summer I had an incredible time catching open water browns. The thermocline was so obvious on the fish finder. Must have been a huge amount of food just showing up as a big band of blue 40' down. It was only 10'-15' wide and then nothing. What transducer mount do you use?

[@spiltmilt]

I use this over the rail mount from RAM www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-316-18-TRA1-TRA1U Use the code "HICKS21" to save 10%

[@loco4dogg]

Great informative video. I know it was 2 years ago but if you remember, what was your set up from rod, reel and through to hook? Thanks

[@ianfair468]

Hi there, just started whatching your videos and love them! Very informative and you make it easy to transfer what you use and adapt the my local lakes. I am in the east kootenies BC. Was wondering what you throw your fish into behind your seat, doesn,t look like you need to open or unzip anything?? I also have an oldtown Kayak with pdl, and love it!

[@spiltmilt]

I use a catch bag from Columbia PFG

[@larrynelson9335]

I love all your videos!! I have a Hobie Mirage and love it. Need a fish finder for kokanee in lake Chelan where we live and what make/model would you recommend. Remember seeing a hummngbird on some of your videos. Want one that is easy to install and use. Not much of a technician so would prefer simplicity. KEEP FISHIN, Larry

[@spiltmilt]

I'd recommend the Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp/GPS Gen3: amzn.to/3T189mU It will help you identify fish, your troll speed, and you can mark your favorite locations.

[@Justin-zs1ql]

almost left at 00:23...glad I stayed haha

[@Jarom.M]

SCIENCE! I love your biology background and how you are able to use it to help us to understand the fish better. Thanks for helping us out. By the way, did you see that thick layer of zooplankton at the hypolimnion layer (at 17:16)?

[@spiltmilt]

It got very cloudy but wasn't sure if that was zooplankton or suspended organic material

[@michaeldeanyork6]

Hello. Thanks for all the informative videos. I really enjoy them. What reels are you using in this video?

[@spiltmilt]

Daiwa Lexa 100 HLC amzn.to/36zef7W

[@brandonteffeteller3133]

First I love “nerding out” on the science of angling! Great content!!! My question is have you done any exploring to the Westside of the state? I have not had much luck fishing for Kokanee here…

[@spiltmilt]

I learned to fish Kokanee on Lake Merwin and Yale.

[@Christian-zp2nb]

Hopefully you read this.In your Downriggers Vs Droppers episode you mention downriggers take more work to get the rig to fishing depths.How about getting a Shuttle Hawk by Macks Lure Co. that you use along with your Downrigger.You put a plastic bumper on downrigger wire or braid near downrigger ball and slide on the Shuttle Hawk with your fishing line attached to downrigger clip[ after you set your downrigger to the depth that you fish while Kayak moves].Shuttle Hawk slides down wire or braid while boat moves and will slide up after fishing line comes out due to a fish.After you get fish in you clip on line while boat moves and Shuttle Hawk takes line down again to your preset depth.No messing around with cranking up and lowering Downrigger Ball again If Shuttle Hawk works well for you.

[@spiltmilt]

I've used the shuttle hawk. Not a fan. Clumsy and not always effective at getting to more extreme depths. I prefer weighted stacker rigs.

[@Christian-zp2nb]

@@spiltmilt Thanks for getting back to me on Shuttle Hawks.You made a good point when using them in deeper water.I was curious on the perfomance of the Shuttle Hawk since I read about them.

[@brendan8363]

Awesome video. One of your best! Science, fishing, teaching, observation, and application. Really great stuff.

[@chrismccart3783]

Very informative video as always. Amazing how knowing the biology of your target helps one be more successful. Does the layers of water affect panfish as drastic as trout and kokanee?

[@spiltmilt]

Not in the same way. Stratification affects all species but spiny rays are less impacted by hot water. It makes them a great alternative during heat spikes!

[@wingbutler2699]

What did you do to your Marcum to have it spool? I have to wrap mine. Btw… best show ever. The talk while catching is absolutely clever. And skilled. It’s like walking and chewing gum at the same time!! You make it look easy.

[@spiltmilt]

There is a small t-shaped lock that you can flip up on the back that allows the Marcum spool to freely rotate.

[@manfredstrappen7491]

Tyler, you *almost* make me want to fish for Kokanee.

[@spiltmilt]

I'll wear you down eventually

[@MarkoAbo]

Great stuff Tyler, as usual. You gonna come fish springers with us this season? Tight lines, Mark

[@spiltmilt]

Might chase a few on the coast.

[@bobheffley5347]

Hi Tyler. I started watching you when you fished McGinnis Lake. Love your videos. What is the brand of the camera with temp reading. I would like to pick one up. Also model?

[@spiltmilt]

Marcum Pursuit HD Camera: bassproshops.vzck.net/XxGPMg

[@kevinredden7833]

Very informative video Tyler! Been meaning to ask you, where did you get the net you use? I've got one that is similar but the handle is a bit short and I've been losing a few fish (not Kokanee yet) when trying to net them. Your vid's are making me want to go out and target some Kokes for the freezer, I've only ever caught them when fishing for Mackinaw in Lake Cle Elum or a couple times in Lake Sammamish.

[@spiltmilt]

Ranger Nets "Hook Free" rangernets.com/hook-free-tangle-free-molded-rubber-nets/

[@kevinredden7833]

@@spiltmilt Thanks for the quick response, is the one you use with the 36" handle or is it longer?